The term “Agri-PV” stands for the combination of photovoltaics with agricultural land use – a field with great potential. The GMS® DOUBLE system that MKG Göbel built for a berry farm was recently awarded with the 2021 Deutscher Solarpreis (German Solar Prize).
PV system or agriculture, that is usually a question of either-or. Research institutions and plant manufacturers are testing various approaches and pilot projects to see how the two can be combined in a sensible way. In 2020, MKG Göbel installed a system with the innovative GMS® DOUBLE system on the berry farm of Fabian Karthaus and Josef Kneer in Büren, Westphalia. The solar roof not only provides electricity for about 150 households, it also offers real added value for the agricultural use below: The berry crops (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, etc.) are protected from hail and frost, and they also benefit from a more even climate without extreme heat or drought thanks to shading and targeted irrigation (with collected rainwater). The owners report an approx. 20% higher yield and a better quality of the fruits.
Accordingly, the interest is high – numerous representatives from business, media and politics have already come to learn about the concept on site. The jury of EUROSOLAR e.V. was also impressed by the project, and awarded the two owners the German Solar Prize 2021 in the category “Industrial, commercial or agricultural businesses/companies”. MKG Göbel is proud to congratulate the award winners on this recognition of their commitment.
The German Solar Prize was established by Dr Hermann Scheer (†), winner of the Alternative Nobel Prize. Since 1994, municipalities, companies, associations or organisations, journalists and private individuals have received the prize from EUROSOLAR e.V. for their commitment to renewable energies. The prize is awarded to special and outstanding projects and initiatives that pursue a consistent and decentralised energy transition.